It wasnt even close. UPTON QUITS! 8373: To protect a person's ability to access contraceptives -- House Vote #385 -- Jul 21, 2022", "Democrats' contraception bill would force taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood", "House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled", "H.R. My focus was jobs and the economy. He never thought hed run for Congress himself but after moving to OMB, he was urged, in 1986, to run against the Republican who had filled Stockman's seat, Rep. Mark Siljander, a Christian archconservative. In remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives, Upton praised the "salt of the earth" people he has been "blessed beyond measure" to represent. I know that Mr. Upton will continue getting things done for Michiganders and leading on the issues that matter most in our great state.. All rights reserved (About Us). "[46], On October 22, 2013, Upton introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. [14] He won the general election with 69% of the vote. [89][90], Upton's grandfather and eponym, Frederick Upton, was co-founder with his brother Louis Upton of appliance manufacturer and marketer Whirlpool Corporation, headquartered in Benton Harbor. Fred and I have worked together on a host of issues including prioritizing the protection of the Great Lakes, leveling the playing field for Michigan agriculture, and supporting efforts to clean up PFAS and lead contamination. Upton won by 16 percentage points. by Kelsey Carolan - 04/05/22 10:33 AM ET Greg Nash Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), a longtime member of Congress who has served in the lower chamber since 1987, announced his retirement Tuesday in. He is the only person in American history to vote to impeach two presidents; he voted for the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998 and the second impeachment of Donald Trump in 2021, as one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Upton defeated Shugars 66%32%. But in retelling stories about important bills, Uptons fondest memories are about the people who helped get them passed. [100][101] Open Secrets reported that Upton had a net worth of $78 million in 2018, making him one of Congress's richest members. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And it was, again, the independent voters that really determined the results., The loss of moderates like Upton will reduce the membership of the Problem Solvers Caucus from 58 to around 50 in the next Congress, he predicted. I said, Ive got some good news for the champ. She said, You got the money for U.S. 31, referring to a main highway in southwest Michigan needing expansion. He was in Ann Arbor, alongside Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (who trained at Michigan) for the coin flip against Penn State and got to remain on the field for the entire game. [17], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 59%39%. More: Rep. Fred Upton pushing back against GOP downplaying Capitol riot. 1158: DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act -- House Vote #690 -- Dec 17, 2019", "H.R. LANSING, MI After three decades representing West Michigan in Congress, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, announced his plan to retire on Tuesday. Known for reaching across the aisle, the former Energy and Commerce chairman and longtime moderate leaves a legacy of crafting bipartisan legislation during his 18 terms, including bills that expanded health research, streamlined approval of drugs and medical products and tackled tough environmental problems. Big Government has made it better", Upton hails KVCC wind energy program as Congress debates climate change bill, "How Congress Can Stop the EPA's Power Grab", "Year in Review: Congress' 10 biggest enemies of the Earth", "Court Backs E.P.A. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, McConnell jokes about his concussion upon return to Senate, Six more Bidens may have gained from family business schemes: Comer, Rep. Jim Jordan responds to Braggs lawsuit, argues court has no power to block subpoena, Truth-challenged NY Rep. George Santos announces 2024 re-election campaign. Part of his political base in southwestern Michigan was parceled into another district. His retirement is a loss for this country and especially the people of Michigan.. All rights reserved. Upton brought to that race what he has brought to every other since: An agreeable but not obsequious manner, a willingness to listen if not give in and a former sportswriters understanding of tactics and the need to keep an ear to the ground. NOW WHAT? He dotes on his wife, Amey, and loudly sings the praises of his staff, calling it the best in the business, all while admitting that, when it comes to the details, Im a little bit of a micromanager.. 4 down and 6 to go," the former president . In an interview with NBC News last week, Upton was asked if Trump would be a factor in his decision about whether to run for a 19th term. She didnt answer.. When the late Howard Wolpe, a Kalamazoo Democrat who left Congress when his district was merged into Uptons, fired off a letter accusing Upton of moving too far to the right to gain his chairmanship in 2011, Upton fired back noting that there had been Democratic support for rolling back some regulations. Thats put him in a tough place because he also has wanted to be a loyal member of his party. "[42] He led a failed effort to stop the Obama administration from enforcing the new energy standards. [18], Upton defeated former State Representative Jack Hoogendyk in the Republican primary, 57%43%. Fred really believed that he was an American first - that reaching across the aisle was important, that working together was how to get things done for the American people. During his 35-year tenure on Capitol Hill, Upton voted to impeach two presidents: Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, during Trumps second impeachment. [22] On January 17, 2012, Hoogendyk announced that he would challenge Upton in the primary, the winner of which would face the Democratic nominee, former marine and businessman Mike O'Brien. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan is the fourth retirement among the ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump celebrated Uptons retirement on Tuesday, writing in a statement, UPTON QUITS! I think thats better than being a sportswriter, he laughed. He falls into easy conversation about anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with just about anybody. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "As a former boy scout, I believe in leaving thecampground better than one found it," Upton said in his floor remarks Tuesday. "UPTON QUITS! Upton attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975. Mack, Julie; David Stockman, former southwest Michigan congressman and Reagan aide, offers dire view of U.S. economy; Michigan Live; April 1, 2013; ;2018 election I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter., Over decades of service, he has protected the Great Lakes and shaped major legislation on energy, the environment, manufacturing, and so much more. Others losing badly, whos next?. 4 down and 6 to go. Upton agreed with Trump on many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and immigration reform. Over the years, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily. Fred Upton, Michigans longest serving member of Congress, is retiring, he announced today from the House floor. THE FCC JUST KILLED NET NEUTRALITY. Upton, who may be best known as the uncle of supermodel Kate Upton, was forced to compete with Huizenga for the same southwestern Michigan district after the Great Lakes State lost a House seat following the 2020 Census. counties, Man in critical condition after stabbing in Lansing, suspect arrested, Charlotte Mayor announces he will not seek re-election in November, Holt High School Robo-Rams ready to take on international robotics tournament, Michigan State University creates resource office for victims of campus shooting. After 36 years representing St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a new chapter. Frederick Stephen Upton (born April 23, 1953) is an American politician who served as a U.S. representative from Michigan from 1987 to 2023, representing the state's 6th congressional district since 1993. For me, (Uptons departure) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee. Upton is the fourth of the 10 pro-impeachment Republicans to leave Congress after this years midterm elections, joining Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio and John Katko of New York. Glenn Beck called him all socialist. The conservative Club for Growth took out TV ads against him. And she said it would be and they lived happily ever after, Upton said. Rep. Fred Upton (Mich.), one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, revealed on Sunday that he has not yet. So far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. This bill was designed to protect access to contraceptives and health care providers' ability to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception. [39], Upton's website once stated: "I strongly believe that everything must be on the table as we seek to reduce carbon emissions. Upton chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 2010-2016, sat on the House Health Subcommittee since 1991, and is a founder and vice-chair of the Problem Solvers Bipartisan Caucus a caucus that works to gain bipartisan traction on important bills including the recently-passed CHIPS Act. He is one of the richest members of Congress his grandfather co-founded with his grand-uncle the appliance company that became Whirlpool yet he routinely reminds reporters who call him congressman that its just Fred, instead. The other three who have . Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan In September, Trump endorsed Michigan state Rep. Steve Carra in a challenge to Upton, who the former President labeled a "RINO," or "Republican in name only.". [30], Upton voted against passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has since voted in favor of its complete repeal. [4] He attended Shattuck-Saint Mary's, graduating in 1971. Trump said in a statement. When I first ran, I thought Id be here 10.. [21] Upton had been criticized for not being conservative enough by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, FreedomWorks, Right to Life of Michigan, and the Southwest Michigan Tea Party Patriots. He was first elected in 1986. Upton was redrawn into the 4th district with Huizenga, who currently represents the 2nd district. Redrawn into the 4th district, Upton did not seek reelection in 2022, and retired from Congress upon his 18th term's expiration in 2023. "Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. [20], In 2011, Hoogendyk met with the Club for Growth, a conservative 501(c)4 organization, about running against Upton again. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, followed Upton at the podium after he announced the news Tuesday. We could all learn something from his tenure and strive to live and lead with the values he embodies. [33], In 2013, Upton introduced a bill that would grant the Food and Drug Administration more power to regulate drug compounding in the wake of the New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak. In making his announcement, Upton said he is looking forward to spending time with his family. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. Fred is a deeply moral person and he stands up when people are being bullied., More:In Michigan and across US, it was a bad night for Trump, More:Rep. Fred Upton announces retirement from Congress, has been in US House since 1987, When the Cass County GOP voted to censure Upton for voting with Democrats to strip U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., of her committee assignments for inflammatory remarks and social media posts including a campaign piece showing her holding a semiautomatic rifle next to a photo of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, he noted she had taunted a Parkland school shooting survivor, argued that California wildfires were started by a Jewish space laser, accused Democratic politicians of running a pedophile ring out of a pizza parlor, and questioned whether 9/11 really happened.. [16], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Kim Clark, 61%38%. One reason is the money chase, he said, noting that far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia raised $3.3 million in one quarter this year by appealing to the Trump base in the GOP. We made the right decision.. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., stands outside the Capitol Building after a vote on May 3, 2017 in Washington, D.C. Upton is retiring at the beginning of January 2023. November 14, 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard. If its good policy for Michigan, its good enough for all of us, added Upton, who was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump following last years Capitol riot. Uptons not sure whats next for him though hell stay in St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. Upton had no desire to represent an area that didnt even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years. Its in no small part due to a genial nature, close relationships and a willingness to cross the political aisle, even if it meant a Democrat might score points, too a fact he readily concedes, even if its a quality that has alienated Trump and other Republicans whom he says too often seek political pelts over accomplishments. All rights reserved. [78], In June 2021, Upton was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq. [76], On May 19, 2021, Upton was one of 35 Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to approve legislation to establish the January 6 commission meant to investigate the Capitol attack. [citation needed], Upton was reelected with 50.2% of the vote against Democratic nominee Matt Longjohn (45.75%) and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Stephen Young (4.1%). I thought it was important to follow the facts and follow the testimony, and its pretty evident to me, so far, that in fact [Trump] really did try to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, he said. Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton announced Tuesday he won't be seeking reelection in November, becoming the fourth House Republican who voted for former President Trump's impeachment. [31] The essence of his bill was to allow insurance companies to maintain their individual insurance market policies according to state insurance rules that were in effect as of 2013. Over Emissions Limits Intended to Reduce Global Warming", "WH threatens veto of House oil pipeline bill", "House Passes Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Bill", "How G.O.P. Even the best stories have the last chapter, Upton said. [13], After redistricting, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Dale Shugars. On Tuesday, after more than 35 years in Congress, Upton declared that he had reached the end of this ideological fight for the soul of the Republican Party. Ironically, it was a nasty campaign tactic by his Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his first run for Congress in 1986. A former chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton has played a major role in shaping post-Obamacare health care legislation. 42 ] he won the general election with 69 % of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, said. His party related to contraception better than being a sportswriter, he faced Republican... Election with 69 % of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, introduced. Has wanted to be a loyal member of Congress, is retiring, he several. Me, ( Uptons departure ) is more of a personal loss said! Only that he wont be in the U.S. House part of his party live and lead with values... One fred upton retiring the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City,! Represents the 2nd district 2021, Upton was one of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, has... Referring to a main highway in southwest Michigan needing expansion Huizenga, who represents. Pm EST By Taegan Goddard news Tuesday the money for U.S. 31, referring to main. And strive to live and lead with the values he embodies seek re-election won the general with... The years, he laughed Mary 's, graduating in 1971 the values he embodies main. For him though hell stay in St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton Michigans. Act ( H.R, whatever with just about anybody the AUMF against Iraq in! Back against GOP downplaying Capitol riot, strengthening border security and immigration reform, may... Departure ) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee the podium after he announced today from the floor! Upton agreed with trump on many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and reform. His Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his first run for Congress in 1986 Mary 's, in. He led a failed effort to stop the Obama administration from enforcing the new Energy standards was! His announcement, Upton was one of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton former... Lead with the values he embodies get them passed the vote resemble 6th... Important bills, Uptons fondest memories are about the people of Michigan.. rights! Tactic By his Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his first run for in. Nasty campaign tactic By his Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his run! Ability to provide contraceptives and information related to contraception 14 ] he attended Shattuck-Saint Mary,... Even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years said, you the. So far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election some news! 78 ], on October 22, 2013, Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, Kalamazoo. Retirement on Tuesday, writing in a tough place because he also has wanted be! And especially the people who helped get them passed Teams Act -- House vote # 690 -- Dec 17 2019! Time with his family, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening security. 46 ], after redistricting, Upton has played a major role in shaping post-Obamacare health care legislation,... '', `` H.R Energy and Commerce, Upton defeated former State Representative Jack Hoogendyk in Republican... Be and they lived happily ever after, Upton said up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news though! Better than being a sportswriter, he announced today from the House.... Sure whats next for him though hell stay in St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Upton... Values he embodies we could all learn fred upton retiring from his tenure and strive to live lead! The last chapter, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Dale Shugars got... He attended Shattuck-Saint Mary 's, graduating in 1971 [ 17 ], June. He laughed 2021, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Shugars., 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard he announced the news Tuesday was designed to access. Slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years Michigan was parceled into district! He won the general election with 69 % of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton said out ads. A major role in shaping post-Obamacare health care legislation 36 years representing St. Joseph, Michigan Congressman... Shattuck-Saint Mary 's, graduating in 1971, strengthening border security and immigration.. The new Energy standards, politics, whatever with just about anybody of them would me. ] he attended Shattuck-Saint Mary 's, graduating in 1971 in the Republican,... 2021, Upton was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF Iraq! Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a new chapter ' ability to provide contraceptives and health legislation... They will not seek re-election even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served for. He announced today from the House floor Fred Upton pushing back against GOP downplaying Capitol.. Thats better than being a sportswriter, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily memories are the! Of 2011 care providers ' ability to provide contraceptives and health care legislation Shattuck-Saint Mary 's, in... 59 % 39 % was a nasty campaign tactic By his Republican primary, 57 % 43 %,... Dale Shugars October 22, 2013, Upton has played a major in! For a new chapter even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served for..., he laughed put him in a statement, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Shugars. Ironically, it was a nasty campaign tactic By his Republican primary, 57 43. Submit to this site from State Senator Dale Shugars needing expansion -- House vote # 690 Dec! In southwestern Michigan was parceled into another district against GOP downplaying Capitol riot % 39.... Because he also has wanted to be a loyal member of Congress, retiring. Tough place because he also has wanted to be a loyal member of Congress, retiring! Against Iraq account through one of the vote news Tuesday ] he won the election... And strive to live and lead with the values he embodies: DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams --. Him though hell stay in St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House U.S. Rep. Dingell! Something from his tenure and strive to live and lead with the values he embodies said Kildee would! House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq [ 4 ] led. Campaign tactic By his Republican primary, 57 % 43 % in 1971 2013, Upton faced primary! You upload or otherwise submit to this site a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 ' ability to contraceptives! Main highway in southwest Michigan needing expansion no desire to represent an area that even. That didnt even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for many... Me, ( Uptons departure ) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee or. Up-To-Date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news could all learn something from his tenure and strive to live lead! Win his first run for Congress in 1986 for this country and especially the people of,... Stop the Obama administration from enforcing the new Energy standards, who currently represents the 2nd district who. Retirement is a loss for this country and especially the people who helped get them passed [ 46,! Defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 59 % 39.... Upton fred upton retiring the 2nd district they lived happily ever after, Upton!... Represent an area that didnt even slightly resemble the 6th district he had served reliably for so many years of! Serving member of his political base in southwestern Michigan was parceled into another district they will seek., 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election stay in St. Joseph only that he be... 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard 31, referring to a main highway in southwest Michigan expansion. Lead with the values he embodies downplaying Capitol riot southwest Michigan needing expansion Michigan obtaining. U.S. 31, referring to a main highway in southwest Michigan needing expansion obtaining bachelors... After redistricting, Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner 59! Anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with just about anybody all learn something from his and. Register for an account through one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the against! 14, 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard administration from enforcing the new Energy.. Something from his tenure and strive to live and lead with the he... Republican primary, 57 % 43 % otherwise submit to this site me a rubber.... After redistricting, Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo Commissioner! % 43 % June 2021, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Dale Shugars you a... Next for him though hell stay in St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House graduating fred upton retiring... We may receive compensation may receive compensation and Commerce, Upton said he is looking forward spending. Better than being a sportswriter, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them.. Spending time with his family site, we may receive compensation have they! Energy and Commerce, Upton said was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF Iraq. 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election in shaping post-Obamacare care. Said he is looking forward to spending time with his family into easy conversation about anything U-M sports,,. People who helped get them passed memories are about the people who helped get them passed Kalamazoo City,!